Obsessive Airbrushing

Winter is my off season and I always have a list of things I want to accomplish during that time.  Topping the list this year is to work on my airbrushing and take it to a new skill level.  I decided that formal instruction would be helpful (you know I love my makeup classes!) and why not learn from the best.  Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) creator David Klasfeld is considered an expert on the subject and an authority in the industry.  To say that he knows about airbrushing is to say Steve Jobs knows about computers.  I also am in love with the actual airbrushing makeup OCC has formulated.  It looks fresh and beautiful on the skin, whereas some just look thick, lifeless, and mask-y. 

 

 Our instructor was the wonderful Michelle Coursey, a working artist with an amazing portfolio and a long-time airbrush user.  She talked to us about the various ways she utilizes airbrushing in her work and the kind of results it provides.  Between her, David, and the other OCC staff, there were a lot of really helpful discussions - from the super technical to the philosophical. 

The class was completely hands-on and we spent the day doing various exercises to hone our skills.  We practiced airbrushing on paper which allowed us to really examine our work against the white background.  Unevenness, heavy handedness, and splatters were all exposed! 

 

 Zeroing in on blemishes with airbrushed dots...

 

Arcs for contouring, experiments in air pressure variations...

Watch and learn: the perfect application of airbrushed foundation, blush, highlighter, contour, and a light eye color contour.

 We rounded out the day by airbrushing on a partner, trying to utilize the color-matching and application techniques.  

I cannot say enough good things about this class.  The other artists and I left feeling inspired, motivated, and much more savvy.  Thank you Michelle and OCC!